DEsErT ULTRA
Join us this autumn as we race through the unique and beautiful Chihuahuan Desert near the quirky, artsy, hot-spring town of Truth or Consequences.
Imagine crossing the Rio Grande on foot to run a combination of jeep roads and single track trails which meander up and down scenic arroyos that feature unique flora, passing by old mining sites, all while winding through the foothills of the Caballo Mountains.
Our races begin and end at the riverside at Rotary Park where you can enjoy live music, vendors, a beer garden, and delicious food provided by local restaurants. After celebrating your race, enjoy an after-run soak in one of our famous healing hot springs.
INFO
All runners cross the Rio Grande and follow a dirt road along the river for approximately 1.5 miles before turning left up a sandy/rocky arroyo to the Aid Station, an ascent of 500'.
Our 10K is a loop with one out and back leg. These runners check in at the Aid Station and then bomb 500' straight back down to the finish line.
Half-marathoners will then embark on the Hidden Valley Loop, a remote 8-mile trek involving almost 1400' of vertical on top of the 500' completed. Red rocks, long views, and if you're lucky, you'll spot a Desert Bighorn out there. Total vertical: approximately 1900'
Our 50K trail runners continue past the Aid Station to a ridgeline with a commanding view of the entire valley, descend the Rollercoaster of short and steep hills to an arroyo, and then climb again to observe the old Blackjack Mine before descending a steep and rocky jeep trail to an old mining road. These runners will then hang right and begin another long ascent back to the aid station. After checking in they'll commence three revolutions of the Hidden Valley loop before descending to the finish line. Total vertical: approximately 5,200'
The course map may be accessed through the image below (caltopo.com). For additional user-contributed trails in our area (some of which may be on private property), please visit this link.
A SPECIAL PLACE WORTH VISITING
Truth or Consequences (TorC) is a quirky hot springs town inhabited by creative people who value nature. For a small town we have big ideas which have led us to become hosts of over 20 art galleries, a vibrant brewery which is our community hub, restaurants, and many interesting mom and pop shops. We are a gateway community to Spaceport America, less than an hour away.
It's a desert town, but we’ve got water and lots of it. Two hours south of Albuquerque in the high desert of southern New Mexico (4200 ft elevation), TorC is situated alongside the Rio Grande river. We’re just 3 miles south of Elephant Butte Lake, New Mexico's largest body of water. But we’re best known for our numerous rejuvenating hot springs. For adventurous nature lovers we have miles and miles of trails and jeep roads easily accessible from our vibrant and social downtown. Situated on a migration path, we’ve got some of the very best birding in the region.
SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Additional Sponsors:
PreReal Investments
City of T or C
Bullocks
Passion Pie Cafe
Mike and Dimid
Barb & Doug